PSA/Peugeot-Citroen has hired Renault’s former China chief, Chen Guozhang, to oversee its upscale DS brand in Asia, reported China Business News, a Shanghai-based daily newspaper.

Chen, 45, was executive president for Renault China after working for Nissan Motor Corp. for many years in the United States.

PSA’s joint venture with state-owned Chinese automaker Changan Automobile produces the DS5 in the southern city of Shenzhen.

PSA also builds Peugeot cars and some Citroen models through its joint venture with Dongfeng Motor in the central China city of Wuhan.

DS, which is a division of Citroen, is sold a stand-alone brand in China. PSA CEO Carlos Tavares also wants the marque to be a stand-alone brand in Europe and all other markets where its models are sold as part of his revival plan for the automaker.